He gave me a Word, ...and my soul gave birth to poetry! I have tried to share it with the world.

QUEEN - (... for NPM)

When the world echoes sounds

that would keep us down

Poetry sends back refrains that say

Let me lift you

Let me give you insight to light your way

Unravel mysteries

Cope with life's inconsistencies

Comprehend that uncertainty paves the road we all travel

Let me share truths from ancestors

With youth and elder alike--

Share with true seekers answers that empower

Let not the fear of this hour

rob the world this cherished light

or deny tomorrow it's victory

This is the charge of poetry

For this she shall ever reign supreme

as Queen!

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SOJOURN WITH WORDS CABLE TV PROGRAM

Friends in the DC/MD/VA area are invited to join me each week for Sojourn With Words, the award-winning cable television program I co-produce and host. The program features poets (interviews and performance/readings) and poetry news. Sojourn with Words, which is now in its 7th year, and has won national awards for excellence in cultural programming, airs on CTV, (Comcast Ch. 76 and Verizon FiOS Ch. 42). Our current schedule is:

Wednesday 6:30 PM

Thursday 12 Noon Saturday 1:00 PM

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POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT at ANNIE'S ART GALLERY

JOIN US EACH 3RD THURSDAY at Annie's Art Gallery (5814 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748) for our monthlyOpen Mic Poetry Night which takes place from 6 to 9 PM. This is a family-friendly, free-to-the-commmunity event. We welcome poets & aspiring poets, youth and elder, adult and teen, and everyone in-between! At Annie's we are serious about promoting artists and art (of all kinds), so all are welcome. Additional information about this and other community events at Annie's Art Gallery can be viewed at www.Anniesartgallery.net.

Annie's Art Gallery is seeking visual artists to feature at this monthly event. Poets and visual artists interested in being featured at Annie's Art Gallery during 2014 calendar year should contact Sistah Joy at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com.

Sistah Joy, Poet in Residence

Annie's Art Gallery

5814 Allentown Way

Camp Springs, MD 20748

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INSPIRATION STATEMENT

As a poet, I seek to uplift, empower and offer paths to peace through poetry. I believe that taking poetry to the community is a means to that end. Life and God (not necessarily in that order) are my sources of inspiration. Influences include Gwendolyn Brooks, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Rev. & Mrs. Benjamin H. Craig, my immediate and extended families, my Collective Voices family, as well as my Anointed P.E.N.S. (Ebenezer A.M.E.) and Annie's Art Gallery families.

Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis collection of poetry includes 6 cycles, including themes of socio-political commentary, relationships, spirituality, youth poetry, Haiku, and "general". The book's introduction is by Washington Post Journalist, Dorothy Gilliam who writes, "The book's depth lies in Alford's clear understanding of what it means to be rooted in Africa while grounded in experience as a Black woman in America. A...

PoetrySouls Seeking Light by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem speaks on the significance of faith....Spring? by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyWhile washing dishes after finishing my breakfast this morning, I saw a few Robins in my back yard. There was no ground-pecking or hopping about as is usually the case with Robins in morning hours. ...I Stand Tall by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis is a sample of the "empowerment poetry" included in my most recent chapbook, From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being....Coming Into Focus by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem conveys how, over time, our realization of who we are and what's important in life, ...and what's possible in life, becomes beautifully and wondrously clear. ...It's There by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis Mother's Day poem is for moms everywhere, and especially new moms. It is a poem of encouragement and spiritual affirmation.
I offer it here and wish a "Happy Mother's Day" to all moms...I Remember by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy"I Remember" is a tribute poem for veterans by Sistah Joy presented in Washington, DC near The Vietnam Memorial,...After by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem is offered to my fellow member poets of Mariposa, ...and all who would take delight in such awakened childhood memories. ...The Gift of Time by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThe Gift of Time is a poem I originally wrote as a birthday gift for my sister. I am happy to share it here with my Author's Den family....No Revolving Doors by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem, a tribute to Rosa Parks, is included in Champions, Heroes and Icons - Ten Who Stood Tall, an anthology I was commissioned to edit by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library's Black St...I Proudly Wave The Flag by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem is shared in observance of Veterans Day
...The Discovery of Connectedness by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem is offered with sincere appreciation for a lesson on relevence and connection. "The Discovery of Connectedness" was inspired by my participation in multi-disciplined workshop conducted by cl...A Thanksgiving Prayer Poem by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyHappy Thanksgiving to my many on-line friends and family,
Each of you are a blessing in my life. Thank you for your friendship and love. Thank you for sharing your life, your time, and for...In The Quiet Time by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyInspirational Poem...In Search Of by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySharing "In Search Of," my offering for National Poetry Month as we are about to conclude the 2009 NPM celebration...
...Train Ride To Hope by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem relays my personal experience as one of the millions who went to the 2009 Inaugural....A Poet’s Crystalline Moment by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis poem relates to the reader the cathartic power of poetry. It is through such experiences that poets (and others) can come to understand and appreciate very real and necessary stages through whic...As They Pierced His Palm by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyA reflective poem about the ultimate sacrifice of Christ...Remembrances by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyA Memorial Day poem of commemoration.
...Ants to Ancestors by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis reflective poem speaks to the issues of faith and the brevity of life....Queen by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyWritten in celebration of National Poetry Month - 2007...Dawn At The River by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy

Freedom's Echo by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyI wrote this ekphrastic poem after attending an exhibit and open discussion of the works of 3 visual artist refugees who now create their art in America. The exhibit, which was presented by Heliport ...Strong Hands of Mother Africa by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThis powerful poem invokes and embraces the spirituality of the Diaspora while encouraging cultural enlightenment. It is the first poem in the book, Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can....

ArticlesGive Them A Hand! - Celebrating Success by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy2012 Expressions Talk Up, Not Down Teen Poetry Residency Camp
& Hip Hop Poetry Choir – "Give Them A Hand!" A Review by J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
...My Extraordinary Early Voting Experience by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySharing my extraordinary early voting expereince in Maryland....Sistah Joy receives CAM Award for Best Host in Entertainment Category by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyPoet Sistah Joy receives CAM award for "Best Host in Entertainment Category at 14th Annual Community Access Magic Awards and Scholarship gala. ...Celebrating National Poetry Month! - April 2011 by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyOverview article about Sistah Joy's 2011 National Poetry Month activities, and announcing the availability of her 4 books as well as her and her groups' availability to perform....Honoring A King - Event Review by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyA free commemorative tribute honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held at The Publick Playhouse on Saturday, April 2, 2011.
...AmericaSpeaks Profiles Poet Sistah Joy by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySistah Joy is profiled by AmericaSpeaks about her experience as a facilitator, poet and literary activist. ...Envision Prince George's 21st Century Town Meeting by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySistah Joy's article & ccrresponding poem (both posted below) about the Envision Prince George's intiative, the Envision Prince George's 21st Century Town Meeting, and her poem, "What Will It Be?" ...2010 Expressions Talk Up, Not Down Teen Poetry Camp & Hip Hop Poetry Choir by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyReview article about the 2010 Expressions Talk Up, Not Down teen poetry camp that took place July 11 through 17 in Prince George's County, Maryland. Congrats to all the teens (...and adults!) who p...Poetry Between The Lines - Celebrating Teen Poets by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyA free-to-the-community celebration of the excellence of Prince George's County teen poets to be presented by the Prince George's Arts Council at The Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland on Th...Big Fun at 2nd Annual Community Reading Party by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyThank you to all who came out to be part of the fun, or in any way supported The 2nd Annual Community Reading Party at the Fort Washington McDonald's!...Champions, Heroes & Icons - Ten Who Stood Tall by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyAn article about, Champions, Heroes & Icons - Ten Who Stood Tall," the inaugural poetry gala held on 11/17/09, welcoming the community to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library's newly renovate...Books by Sistah Joy - Order Form by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyBook Order Form for Sistah Joy's 3 books...The Big Read by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySistah Joy's participation in Washington DC's BIG READ at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library. Featured book: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCuller...Creating Verse to Inspire Social Change by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy(Archival Article)
Poet seeks to inspire and uplift through verse.
...She has given readings for numerous audiences throughout the U.S., primarily along the East Coast and has also per...Camp Springs woman transforms pain into poetry by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyArticle appearing in Prince George's Gazette Arts & Entertainment (p. A-11 on 7/16/09) highlighting new book by Sistah Joy, From Pain to Empowerment-The Fabric of My Being. "...The poems in this col...From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyFrom Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being" was the theme of an enchanting and emotionally-charged literary event featuring and hosted by Sistah Joy at Parish Gallery-Georgetown on Thursday, Ap...Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoySistah Joy partners with Ja'nice Wisdom of Read Across Jamaica to present the Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party. Members from all segments of the community provide ou...Words as Work - Reflections of A Poet (3/1/2009) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyIn this article (see downloadable link above) I present my personal reflections about the significance of poetry as a tool of social conscience. However, this is a two-pronged article which addresses ...Poetry Extravaganza - 10th Year Mark (An Historic Overview) (1/2006) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyPoetry Extravaganza is a literary tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The tribute is presented annually by Collective Voices, the sisterhood of poets founded by Sistah Joy, i...Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree Ends at Barnes & Noble (3/2008) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyAlmost 6 years after its debut, the VERSE, VIBES & BITES poetry soiree, which was originated and hosted by Sistah Joy, ended at Barnes & Noble on March 20, 2008.
...Poetry Fundraiser Features Amiri Baraka & Etan Thomas - (6/2006) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyIn June of 2006, Amiri Baraka and Etan Thomas are interviewed by Sistah Joy at a poetry fundraiser in Prince George's County. The interviews would become a segment of an upcoming episode of Sojourn ...An Overflow of Poetry at Annie's Art Gallery - (8/1/08) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyFollow up to 8/1/08 Open Mic Poetry Night at Annie's Art Gallery
...Poetry Extravaganza 2008, 12 Annual Tribute to Dr. King by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah JoyHundreds came out to Poetry Extravaganza 2008, the annual tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event, which took place on Saturday, January 12, is presented each ye...

Bio info of Collective Voices, the Washington, DC ensemble of poets, Group is available to perform nationally and abroad, and has a history of presenting their original works at events addressing social injustices, human/civil rights and women's advocacy issues.

Washington Post Profile of Sistah Joy as poet whose work addresses subjects such as peace, justice, spirituality, self-esteem, and empowerment, particularly of women and youth. She is a poet working for social change through poetry.

As a full time poet I am available for public speaking engagements, and offer poetry workshops based on clients' needs. I coordinate, make presentations, and host literary and community events that present life-enriching opportunities and positive messages of empowerment to attendees.

I host a family-friendly, monthly free-to-the-community Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland from 6 to 9 PM on each 3rd Thursday.

I invite you to visit my website at www.sistahjoy.com for "archival information" or contact me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com for bookings and inquiries.